What if homeowners could sell their properties while preserving equity and maintaining control, even in the face of financial hardship? There’s a new program offering innovative solutions that empower sellers with options and flexibility to meet their needs while providing the real estate industry with a tool to deliver better outcomes.
Auction.com, the nation’s leading online marketplace for distressed real estate, has launched SmartSale™, a transformative program that enables homeowners to sell their properties directly on the Auction.com platform. For the first time, homeowners can leverage the power of a platform that has been helping Auction.com clients sell properties for over a decade. SmartSale combines the best elements of traditional home sales with Auction.com’s industry-leading marketplace, offering unprecedented flexibility, transparency, and control for sellers.
Two Paths to Selling Success
SmartSale introduces a choice for distressed homeowners, offering two tailored pathways:
- Offer Path: Launching in early 2025, this path provides sellers with direct offers, allowing for negotiations that include customizable terms, financing contingencies, and rentback options.
- Auction Path: Available now, this option allows sellers to list their properties in a competitive auction environment with real-time bidding and transparent updates. Auctions typically attract multiple buyers, creating a dynamic environment where properties are sold quickly and often at competitive prices.
A 2023 study revealed that approximately 21% of US home sellers prefer non-traditional sales methods. Historically, non-traditional home-selling methods have been favored for their speed and predictability, but this often meant sacrificing the competitive dynamics of traditional sales, which could lead to higher offers. SmartSale offers a better way – combining the speed and certainty they want with the competition they deserve.
The offer and auction pathways allow sellers to choose the approach that best aligns with their needs, timeline, and financial goals. Whether a seller prioritizes speed through an auction or the flexibility of personalized offers, SmartSale provides a solution.
What’s more, sellers receive both local guidance from a real estate agent and the Auction.com concierge team.
“Every distressed customer deserves a chance to protect their equity,” said Ali Haralson, President of Auction.com. “SmartSale expands our platform’s capabilities to make that possible, bringing the power of our established marketplace directly to homeowners.”
Leadership Driving Financial Stability
Auction.com’s commitment to supporting distressed and traditional homeowners is reflected in its leadership. The company brought on industry veteran Doug Whittemore as Head of Strategic Growth to drive the development and rollout of SmartSale. With years of experience in real estate and financial solutions, Whittemore’s leadership is instrumental in shaping this innovative program.
“SmartSale is a transformative solution for families facing financial hardship,” Whittemore said. “It combines the strengths of traditional home selling with Auction.com’s unmatched marketplace, offering sellers the tools they need to navigate this process with dignity.”
Features that Set SmartSale Apart
SmartSale represents a significant evolution in distressed real estate, offering unique advantages to empower homeowners:
- Tailored Selling Pathways: Homeowners can select the approach that best suits their circumstances.
- Control and Flexibility: Sellers retain control over sale terms, timelines, and move-out dates.
- Expanded Buyer Reach: Properties are listed on the MLS and connected to Auction.com’s nationwide buyer network.
- No Upfront Fees: The selling process starts without financial barriers.
- Guided Expertise: Sellers receive support from local real estate agents and Auction.com’s dedicated team.
These features ensure that homeowners can confidently navigate their sales, knowing their financial and personal interests are prioritized.
Leveraging a Proven Platform
With over 533,000 transactions and $66+ billion in sales over the past decade, Auction.com has established itself as a trusted partner in real estate. SmartSale extends this expertise to distressed homeowners, offering them a proven platform to achieve their goals.
Technology and Transparency
Auction.com’s ongoing investment in technology has culminated in a seamless, user-friendly platform. SmartSale operates on Auction.com’s advanced digital platform, providing real-time updates and secure data management throughout the selling process.
This streamlined approach helps minimize uncertainty during challenging transitions.
Learn More About SmartSale
Learn more by visiting Auction.com or contact your Auction.com business partner for more information. Auction.com and its partners are creating a future where every distressed customer can protect their equity and financial security.